Sorry for my late reply...this is my first time posting.
I chose to put a Ford Racing Big Block Ford into my '74 Pantera because it takes much of what I like about the car-- large displacement American V8, pushrod, 2-valve-- and multiplies it. The sound of a Big Block is awesome, and it really fills the engine bay! The Big Block can generally make 600hp with more durability than a similar-powered, high strung Cleveland or Windsor. Admittedly, this is not the light-weight approach, but with aluminum heads and intake it is not too bad.
I am in the middle of my Big Block conversion now. I have a replica block in place, with the engine getting dropped into the vehicle in a couple weeks. I have been able to keep the engine in the "stock" location, not needing to move the transaxle back any amount; no modification to the chassis metal has been required. I was able to accomplish this by using a Compu-tronix distributorless ignition and electric water pump. The headers are from Precision Proformance. The bellhousing is from Quicktime, with a Centerforce dual-friction 11" clutch, and McCleod hydraulic throwout bearing. The Canton road racing oil pan has needed modification to squeeze between the frame rails and clear the emergency brake bracket.
I am very happy with how the swap has gone so far.
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